Bhubaneswar, Dec 4: The Odisha Government has intensified its preparations for millet procurement and distribution under the Shree Anna Abhiyan, with a high-level review meeting chaired by Principal Secretary Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, officials said on Thursday.

Managing Director of Odisha State Supply Corporation, Sudarshan Chakravarthy, and Director of Agriculture and Food Production, Shubham Saxena, were present at the meeting along with senior officers from the Food Corporation of India (FCI), Odisha Tribal Development Cooperative Corporation Limited (TDCCOL), and the Agriculture Department to finalize strategies for this year’s programme.

The meeting focused on ensuring maximum farmer participation in the procurement process at Minimum Support Price (MSP). District Collectors have been directed to remain vigilant against unscrupulous traders attempting to exploit government support. Officials emphasized that the procured millet will be distributed through various state welfare schemes and supplied to the Central Reserve via the Food Corporation of India.

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Last year, Odisha achieved a milestone by procuring 7,58,000 quintals of millet. For the first time, more than one lakh quintals were exported to Andhra Pradesh and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar, showcasing Odisha’s growing role in millet promotion.

Dr. Padhee reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting climate-resilient grains like millet, highlighting their importance in food security and sustainable agriculture. The initiative aligns with the state’s vision to empower farmers while addressing nutritional needs and climate challenges.